School bus erupts in flames

It was a horrifying sight, but no injuries were reported when a school bus carrying White County students erupted in flames Monday afternoon.

The children were returning from a field trip to the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro when the fire happened around 2 p.m. on Highway 96 in Auburntown.

The students attend Cassville Elementary. There were 44 students and four teachers on board, according to reports.

Director of White County Schools Sandra Crouch said the bus driver noticed the engine was smoking before quickly pulling over and getting the students off the bus. Fire extinguishers were used in an effort to extinguish the blaze, but to no avail. The bus was completely engulfed.

School officials say the students were never in danger and they credit the bus driver and teachers on-board for being vigilant.